Cairo Egypt 3 Day Itinerary

Cairo 3-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Pyramids & Sphinx Exploration

Morning:

  • Start your day with a hearty breakfast at El Fishawy, a famous cafe in Khan El Khalili Bazaar (opening hours: 6am - midnight).
  • Visit Khan El Khalili Bazaar itself, one of the oldest bazaars in the Middle East, where you can shop for traditional Egyptian items such as spices, perfumes, and souvenirs.
  • Head to the iconic Pyramids of Giza (approx. 40 mins by taxi) and explore the Great Pyramid of Khufu, the Pyramid of Khafre, and the small Pyramid of Menkaure. Don’t forget to check out the enigmatic Sphinx nearby!
  • Lunch at Cleveland Steakhouse in Sheikh Zayed City (approx. 15 mins by taxi), offering a variety of international dishes along with Egyptian specialties.

Afternoon:

  • Continue your archaeological journey at the Egyptian Museum (approx. 30 mins by taxi). Marvel at over 120,000 artifacts, including King Tutankhamun’s treasures.
  • Relax and unwind at the Garden Restaurant inside the museum (open from 12:30 pm), with a beautiful view of the Tahrir Square.

Evening:

  • Dine at Ibn Gabal Restaurant, located near Ramses Hilton Hotel, serving delicious traditional Egyptian dishes.
  • Take a leisurely stroll around Tahrir Square and experience Cairo’s vibrant nightlife.

Day 2: Islamic Cairo & Boat Ride on the Nile

Morning:

  • Enjoy breakfast at your hotel or try local dishes at a nearby cafe.
  • Visit Al-Azhar Mosque (opening hours: 4am - 10pm), one of the most important mosques in the world and the oldest university.
  • Explore the Hussein Mosque, located inside Bab el-Futuh, one of the gates of the ancient city of Cairo.
  • Wander through the narrow, winding streets of El Moez Street, filled with stunning examples of Fatimid architecture.
  • Lunch at Abu Tarek Wa KhalTi (approx. 10 mins walk), famous for their traditional Egyptian dish, fuul medames (fava beans).

Afternoon:

  • Head to the Coptic Cairo area and visit the Hanging Church, constructed over the Water Gate of the ancient Roman fortress; the Ben Ezra Synagogue, one of the oldest synagogues in Egypt; and the Church of St. George.
  • Take a short taxi ride to the Khan El Khalili Bazaar for a second visit, as it transforms into a bustling hub of activity during the evening.
  • Dinner at El Fishawy or another restaurant in the Khan El Khalili area.

Day 3: Coptic Museum & Modern Art District

Morning:

  • Breakfast at your hotel or a nearby cafĂ©.
  • Visit the Coptic Museum (opening hours: Tuesday - Sunday, 9am - 5pm), home to an extensive collection of Christian artifacts and religious items dating back to the Pharaonic, Greco-Roman, Coptic, Islamic, and medieval periods.
  • Head to the Museum of Modern Egyptian Art (approx. 20 mins by taxi) to explore works by famous Egyptian artists such as Mahmoud Mukhtar, Ahmed Sabry, and Mahmoud Said.

Afternoon:

  • Lunch at a local restaurant in Zamalek or downtown Cairo, such as Tish Tash or Mrs. Frog.
  • Spend the rest of the afternoon exploring the modern art district of Zamalek, strolling along the Nile Corniche, and enjoying the city’s vibrant energy.

Evening:

  • Dine at Dar Basha in Zamalek (approx. 5 mins walk), offering a fusion of Egyptian, Mediterranean, and international cuisines.
  • Take a leisurely boat ride on the Nile to wrap up your trip (recommend booking a tour or hiring a felucca for the experience).

Things to Know:

  • Currency: The official currency in Egypt is the Egyptian Pound (EGP). Major credit cards are accepted in most establishments, but it’s always good to have some local currency on hand.
  • Language: While English is widely spoken in tourist areas, Arabic is the official language of Egypt. Knowing a few basic phrases will help you connect with locals and immerse yourself in their culture.
  • Safety: Always be aware of your surroundings and avoid deserted or dimly lit areas, especially at night. Keep your belongings secure and be mindful of potential scams targeting tourists.
  • Tipping: It is customary to tip service workers in Egypt. A general rule is to tip around 10% of the total bill in restaurants, and a few Egyptian pounds for other services such as taxi rides or tours.
  • Dress Code: Respect local customs by dressing modestly, especially when visiting mosques and religious sites. Women should cover their shoulders, chest, and legs, while men should avoid shorts and sleeveless shirts.

Transportation:

  • Taxis are abundant in Cairo and a convenient way to get around the city. Use metered taxis when possible or negotiate a fare beforehand for non-metered taxis.
  • The Cairo Metro is an affordable option for getting across town, with two lines connecting various parts of the city.
  • For longer distances, consider using Uber or Careem ride-hailing services.
  • If you prefer to explore on foot, some areas like Khan El Khalili Bazaar are compact and easily navigable on foot.